Meet the Program Directors

Fr. Anthony Ciorra

Fr. Anthony Ciorra is the former vice predicant for mission & Catholic identity at Sacred Heart University. He was ordained a priest in 1973. His experience has included parish life, teaching, administration, retreat work, preaching and formation ministries. He has graduate degrees in psychology, history and pastoral theology, as well as a certificate in spiritual direction.

Ciorra earned his doctorate in theology from Fordham University. His areas of research and publication include spirituality in the workplace and living Christian moral values in the world. In recognition of his ministry in the Church, he was awarded the pontifical honor Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by Pope John Paul in 1999. He received the Caritas Centennial Award in 2000 for his work in lay ministry and the Spirit of RENEW Award for his work in interreligious dialogue and ecumenism.

He was an adviser to the CBS television program God Friended Me.

Michelle Loris, Ph.D., Psy.D.

Michelle Loris, Ph.D., Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist. She has authored books on the works of Joan Didion and Gloria Naylor and published articles in American literature and post-traumatic stress psychology.

At Sacred Heart University, she has held numerous leadership roles, including founding director of the Jandrisevits Learning Center, associate dean in the College of Arts & Sciences, and founding chair of the Catholic Studies department. She developed signature initiatives such as the Human Journey Seminars and the Pioneer Journey program, emphasizing the university’s mission and values. She also received grants, including from the NEH and Lilly Endowment, to direct impactful academic and theological programs.

Loris’ accolades include Connecticut Professor of the Year (2013), SHU’s Excellence in Teaching Award (2021-22), and the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award (2022). She holds a Ph.D. in American Literature from Fordham University and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University New England. Her teaching focuses on Human Journey seminars and American literature.